Hatchery summer steelhead daily limit will increase on the lower Cowlitz River

June 25, 2008

June 24, 2008

Hatchery summer steelhead daily limit will
increase on the lower Cowlitz River

Action: Anglers on the Lower Cowlitz River may retain up to 6 hatchery steelhead beginning Wednesday June 25, 2008.

Species affected: Steelhead

Effective dates by location: Effective June 25 - until further notice from the Hwy. 4 Bridge at Kelso upstream to Mayfield Dam on the Cowlitz River.

Reason for action: We have met hatchery broodstock needs and excess hatchery fish are available for harvest. There has been a good early showing of hatchery summer runs to date with surplus steelhead now entering the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery below Mayfield Dam. Catches in the sport boat fishery are reportedly very good although bank anglers are somewhat limited by the high flow.

Other information: Release wild steelhead and those with a clipped right ventral fin and a healed scar at the location of the clipped fin.

This year?s Cowlitz hatchery summer run steelhead two-salt return is from a full smolt plant, just over a half million fish, released in 2006.


Information contact: Steve Vigg (360) 906-6710. For latest information press *1010.


Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on definitions and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing-hotlines to find a list of mobile, web, print, or customer service phone options for the latest rule information.

Request this information in an alternative format or language at wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation, 833-885-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.